My rules are simple.
I look at the cost of the item with any add ons that are hidden in the small print elsewhere (terms and conditions) like insurance and vat.
I look carefully at the postal charges and everything related to it.
I look at where the item is being dispatched from and the method of carriage. Can it be tracked for instance.
I look and see if they accept returns, and the policy for returning them.
I look to see if the transaction is under the protection of Ebay and PayPal if that method is used for payment. Ebay own PayPal don't forget.
Lastly I check the physical address details of the seller and make certain that the postcode is valid and the telephone number works. If its a mobile number I will not buy. If they say they will get back to me with an answer to a question in so many days I will not buy.
I always send a test email too and check its delivery route nby using the properties function in the returned reply.
I have done this now for years and since I stared doing it all of by buys have gone without problems.
Lastly, do not give feedback until you have received and fully tested the goods. I will not buy either if the policy of the seller is to only give feedback once I have left mine for them - it usually states that they want a 5 star one and they will then do the same in return. That is blackmail and high time that Ebay stopped the sellers from doing it!
Ebay is as safe to use as the user makes it. It as easy as that sadly. Everyone wants a bargain, it just makes it more important to take care or the bargain is then a rip off that has cost dearly.....
